Knitting

[trapped]

Does anyone know any GOOD knitting websites or videos that teach you how? I have tried to "cast on" about fifty times, and still can't do it! I managed to get up to 11 little cast-y on things started (the pattern I'm following wants me to do 24), and then I managed to have those all fall off the damn needle! So frustrating! This knitting thing is NOT as relaxing as people who do it mindlessly on the subway make it look, but I WILL LEARN, darnit! :wall:

 

[SunnyBrookFarm]

Trapped -

I tried every book and video out there and could never get anything right (my cast on either lost loops are were too loose or I would just completely lose my place. It become soo frustrating!!!

Eventually, I was in a waiting room while my mom was having an out patient procedure and a very nice sweet elder lady helped me. Worked much better for my brain to have someone show me in person.

There are normally knitting groups or classes that you can join (look at quilt stores and fabric stores for information) - or ask the next sweet lady you see on the subway - you might be surprised.

 

[cat]

Hi Trapped

If I lived nearer I'd pop round & help! As I don't, try www.learn2knit.co.uk its very basic but easy to follow.

Cat

 

[maria]

Glad you found someone to help. You get a feel for things like casting on after you've done it for a while. I make sweaters for my little dog. It's a real pain to get them to fit right even though she's good about fittings.

maria

 

[anthony]

Kindoff funny though trapped... the very thing you are trying to learn in order to relax is frustrating the shit out of you trying to learn. Irony!!!

 

[becvan]

Hi trapped! Yes learning any type of fiber art (knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross stitch etc.) is very frustrating to begin with. I'm a crochet instructor myself. A few places to look for help would be your local yarn stores (called LYS for short.) They usually hold classes themselves or know the instructors. Another great place for help is Ravelry.com. It's a place for fiber artists. It does have a waiting period to join up but the resources there are almost endless. You could also look for any Craft Councils or Guilds in your country. There is the Craft Yarn Council of America and the American Knitting Guild (or something close to that.. LOL I don't remember the exact wording of it.) Both of those associations will have lists of instructors plus basic tips on how to do the crafts. You could also consider buying a Learn to Knit children's kit. They have nice simple instructions with pictures and it's very step by step. I know lot's of adults that have used those kits successfully to learn, so don't be embarrassed.

When learning any type of fiber art, remember that when learning you will make lot's of mistakes and get frustrated easily. Give yourself a ten minute break, at least once, every 20 minutes. Stretch, get a drink or snack, and give yourself time to relax again. Everyone also learns at their own pace and it could take numerous tries to just cast on stitches. That is okay and perfectly normal so don't get judgmental with yourself. Also pick a very simple project to learn (like a dish cloth or bookmark) so that you will not overwhelm yourself with a huge project.

Good luck and I hope you find much success!

bec